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The State Historical Society of Iowa provides a variety of programs and events to help people of all ages learn about Iowa history. These activities include lectures, tours, conferences, workshops and more.
Back to topGroup Visits
The State Historical Museum of Iowa invites adult groups to schedule self-guided tours through a variety of exhibits displaying a rich collection of artifacts and documents. All groups of 10 or more visitors should register at least two weeks in advance of their requested visit date. Requests must be submitted through the Museum Adult Visit Request Form.
If your group is larger than 90 people, please email museum.education@iowa.gov to discuss possible options.
Back to topIowa History 101 Series
This wide-ranging online series of lectures by State Historical Society of Iowa staff and other experts examines Iowa History through a cultural lens.
Back to topIowa History Book Club
Every few months, the statewide club focuses on a different book about Iowa history, with online discussions led by the authors, special guests and Andrew Klumpp, who edits The Annals of Iowa.
Back to topMuseum Collections Tours
Step inside the State Historical Museum of Iowa's collection storage for a behind the scenes look at objects from Iowa's past. The Museum Collections Tour is an in-depth 60-minute guided tour through the museum collection vault to explore a small example of the museum's 80,000 objects.
Throughout the year, free guided tours of the museum collections are provided to the public. Dates and links to register for upcoming free tours are provided below. Advance registration is required to attend the tours.
| Program Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Friday, July 18 | 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. |
*all participants must be over the age of 12 years old. For younger historians over the age of 9 years old, check out our Family Museum Collections Tours.
Back to topSchedule a Private Museum Collection Tour
Looking for a one-of-a-king unique way to learn more about Iowa history? Schedule a museum-staff led tour of select items from the State Historical Museum of Iowa's collection storage. Private tours must be requested at least two weeks in advance and the cost to book a private tour is $10 per person. The minimum number of people to book a private tour is 10 people and the maximum in 20 people due to space limitations. To request a private museum collection tour and begin the scheduling process, please submit the request form. Please note private tours are scheduled based on staff availability.
Back to topDocumentary Showings
Throughout the year, join the State Historical Society of Iowa, in partnership with Iowa PBS, for showings of documentaries focusing on the important events and people from Iowa's past.
| Program | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Check back for future programs | -- | -- |
Days of Learning
The Days of Learning program connects educators, students, parents and lifelong learners from around the state with dynamic programming to showcase Iowa's arts, history, humanities and film.
Back to topIowa History Month
Every March, Iowans of all ages are invited to celebrate Iowa History Month with the State Historical Society of Iowa and partner organizations across the state.
Back to topHistory on the Move
The State Historical Museum of Iowa sends traveling exhibits, including the popular Mobile Museum, to every corner of the state.
Back to topIowa Stories
Since 2007, this in-person lecture series at the State Historical Society of Iowa Research Center in Iowa City has showcased insightful research on a diverse array of Iowa topics.
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